Outdoor dining in DFW used to be a novelty  a happy, little diversion during the too-few, fleeting days of spring.

But as the areas restaurant scene has flourished, so has our desire to dine al fresco.

On sidewalks, rooftops and makeshift backyards all over the Metroplex, we drink in the patio experience like some bottomless pitcher of margaritas.

No longer can the four walls of a well-appointed restaurant contain our expectations. We want garden-party settings and eye-popping views to go along with our seared salmon and locally sourced salad.

And so, as DFWs dining scene has grown more sophisticated, so has its selection of patios  from powerhouses to pretty little hideaways; funky backyard getaways to elegant rooftop retreats.

We decided to dive into the outdoor dining frenzy, while spring is still in full bloom, and discovered at least a dozen dynamic new patios that have planted their flags, or umbrellas, in the last year. We also rediscovered some old favorites, some hall-of-fame patios and we got a tan in the process.

Live Oak has a ground-floor patio, but where you really want to be is on the roof, where theres ample seating, a bar, food service and a gorgeous view of downtown Fort Worth to the north. Theres also a nearly wide-open view to the west-northwest, making this a perfect sunset spot. Live music on the roof Wed-Thur; $4 dinner plate available 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays. 1311 Lipscomb St., Fort Worth. 817-926-0968; theliveoak.com

Kona Grill

Only open for a couple of months on the western edge of Fort Worths West 7th district, this eclectic-menu restaurant transcends its corporate origins with a rooftop patio that has a view of the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, the Will Rogers Complex tower and the sky to the west and northwest  as well as the seemingly never-ending growth in the West 7th area. Theres a street-level patio, too, but its upstaged by its upstairs sibling. 3028 Crockett St., Fort Worth. 817-210-4216;www.konagrill.com

Old Texas Brewing Co. Grill & Skybar

Walk out the back door of this joint in Burlesons bustling Old Town district, and youll find a pair of long staircases leading to a rooftop patio that has views of the street scene below and of rural Johnson County and good sunsets in the distance. You can go up there with a beer any time its open, but table service starts in the evening, when it can sometimes get too crowded to move. And its brave of Old Town to open so close to a Babes, whose fried-chicken aromas waft over to the Skybar, adding another temptation. 112 W. Ellison St., Burleson. 817-447-2337;old-town-brew.com

LSA Burger Co.

The upstairs bar at this popular Denton burger joint opens up to a view of the Denton County Courthouse across the street. LSA stands for Lone Star Attitude, and theres plenty of it in the quality burgers and in the Texas music that helped give the joint its name (check out the irreverent Great Texas Supper painting downstairs). And you can see lots of North Texas from this roof. 113 W. Hickory St., Denton. 940-383-1022; www.lsaburger.com

HG Sply Co.

Another new addition to the plethora of patios, this restaurant has a comfortably large wood-lined deck with views of rejuvenated Greenville Avenue below and downtown Dallas in the distance. Theres a a limited menu of food available up there, as well as wooden canopies to shield you from sun or rain. Bottom line: You never have to leave your perch. Bonus points if youre an omniovore: dishes include venison, bison, lamb chops and all variety of meat. Anthony Bourdain would be very happy here. (If you want even more meat, the celebrated new-generation charcuterie Blind Butcher is across the street.) 2008 Greenville Ave., Dallas. 469-334-0895;www.hgsplyco.com

A fire caused Fort Worth chef Tim Love to close his signature restaurant for a couple of months in 2013, but you cant keep a good Love down, and he brought Lonesome Dove back better than ever, with a redesigned kitchen and an improved dining room  and a downstairs patio that gives Dove the outdoor seating that Loves restaurants are known for. Relatively small, especially compared with the patio at Loves Woodshed Smokehouse, it has a fire pit, a smoker, lots of trees and a view of Saunders Park, where Marine Creek snakes through the Stockyards. Its an easy after-dinner walk to the creekside trail, which is one of Fort Worths better-kept secrets. 2406 N. Main St., Fort Worth. 817-740-8810;lonesomedovebistro.com

Cane Rosso Fort Worth

Most of the restaurants on Fort Worths busy West Magnolia Avenue have some sort of outdoor space; Cane Rosso, the buzzy Neapolitan pizza place that arrived in January (after two Cane Rossos in Dallas) goes for a small, intimate patio thats hidden from the Magnolia side of the building but sort of hard to miss since the entrance is in the back. Got all that? Now go for one of the pizzas with the hot soppressata on them, such as the Paulie Gee. 815 W. Magnolia Ave., Fort Worth. 817-922-9222; ilcanerosso.com

Brewed

This funky coffee bar/beer & wine bar/restaurant next door to Cane Rosso has a large patio with outdoor dining tables and a couple of fire pits for cold nights. Check it out for a Saturday brunch, which tends to be less crowded than the Sunday brunch. 801 W. Magnolia Ave., Fort Worth. 817-945-1545; brewedfw.com

Shinjuku Station

This highly respected sushi/Japanese restaurant gets a lot of attention for its food, but its secluded patio, with trees, Christmas lights and well-spaced dining tables, deserves a nod of its own. On a Magnolia stretch thats appreciative of al fresco dining, this might be the best outdoor space. 711 W. Magnolia Ave., Fort Worth.817-923-2695; shinjuku-station.com

Rodeo Goat Ice House

The winner of the 2013 DFW.com Battle of the Burgers  and an upstart challenger to 2009 winner Freds  has an expansive, picnic-table-loaded backyard beer garden. Because lets not forget, Rodeo Goat also has a good craft-beer menu to wash down all those Hot Bastard and Caca Oaxaca burgers. 2836 Bledsoe St., Fort Worth. 817-877-4628, rodeogoat.com

Chadra Mezza and Grill

You can find sidewalk tables set up at this Mediterranean restaurant near the Mistletoe Heights and Berkeley neighborhoods in Fort Worth. But the real gem is the patio, which is surrounded by hanging plants and feels like someones great back yard. Adding to that backyard feel: Dogs are always welcome. 1622 Park Place Ave., Fort Worth. 817-924-2372;chadramezza.com

Cafe Medi (Keller)

On your first visit to this spinoff of a popular Hurst Mediterranean restaurant, you might not even notice the patio, because the interior has its own cozy charm. But then youll see people drifting out a back door and curiosity will lead you to find out why  and youll see a spacious oasis that shuts out the chaos of nearby U.S. 377. On nice weekend nights, youll find more diners outside than inside. 129 E. Olive St., Keller, 817-337-3204; cafemedi.com

The Rustic

This Dallas spot is a contender for our next Patio Hall of Fame category. (Read more about The Rustic by clicking here.) This place even calls its patio The Backyard, which is a huge expanse of picnic tables, old lawn furniture, a concert stage and even a lawn  its like the lawn at Gexa Energy Pavilion and the patio at Woodshed Smokehouse had a baby. Seating is first-come, first-serve, and that can be a challenge on a Friday or Saturday night. And its amusing to watch well-dressed uptown Dallas women navigate the dirt parts of the Backyard in high heels. But once you find a spot, the food, beer and cocktails are worth it, as is the escape from the chaos of nearby Central Expressway. 3656 Howell St., Dallas. 214-730-0596;therusticrestaurant.com

Fireside Pies (original location)

While the Fort Worth Fireside Pies is a big hit, the popular West 7th pizza joint doesnt serve food on its patio  just drinks. The original Fireside Pies in Dallas Knox-Henderson area has a full-service, garden-like patio thats a good place to split a pie and sip one of Fireside Pies killer sangrias. (Note: The Grapevine location has a pretty good patio, too.) 2820N. Henderson Ave., Dallas, 214-370-3916;firesidepies.com

The Wild Detectives

This Bishop Arts District bookstore, named for a novel by Chilean writer Roberto Bolaño, is about more than just the printed word. The bar serves coffee, beer, wine, and some food, and the large, bench- and table-filled back yard means you no longer have to choose between stimulating your intellect or spending time outside. 314 W. Eighth St., Dallas, 214-942-0108;www.wilddetectives.com

This is really one large patio, and you can brown-bag your meal here  or you can take a seat on the patios of Bird Café or Del Friscos Grille on the east side, or Taco Diner on the west. Or just grab a drink and a sandwich from the Starbucks on the northwest corner and watch the kids playing in the jet fountains  one of the Plazas most popular features. Downtown Fort Worth (bounded by Third, Fourth, Commerce and Houston streets);sundancesquare.com

The Bearded Lady

A great craft-beer bar with good food, the Bearded Lady is in a converted craftsman house near the west end of the Magnolia Avenue restaurant row  and it has the front-yard patio to go with it, a tree-lined, umbrella-festooned hangout where you can soak up some sun rays (or moon rays) while also drinking a Revolver Blood & Honey, a Lakewood Temptress or any of the dozens of other beers. 1229 Seventh Ave. (at Magnolia Avenue), Fort Worth. 817-349-9832; search Facebook for The Bearded Lady.

Lilis Bistro/Spiral Diner/Nonna Tata

These three restaurants are at or very near the busy intersection of Sixth Avenue and West Magnolia Avenue, with Avoca Coffee and craft-cocktail bar The Usual nearby, making for some of Magnolias busiest foot traffic. Lilis and vegan haven Spiral Diner have limited sidewalk seating, and Italian jewel Nonna Tata has a small patio (thats still larger than the tiny interior). With all that action, weve almost invariably run into friends whenever we partake of outdoor dining at these places, increasing the Near Southside neighborhood feel. Bonus: The foods good at all of them. Lilis: 1310 W. Magnolia Ave., 817-877-0700; lilisbistro.com. Spiral Diner: 1314 W. Magnolia Ave., 817-332-8834; spiraldiner.com. Nonna Tata: 1400 W. Magnolia Ave., Fort Worth, 817-332-0250; search for Nonna Tata on Facebook.

Bar Louie Hurst

This recently opened location of the Bar Louie chain has a two-tiered front patio with high-top and regular-level tables. The top-tier patio leads to the restaurant entrance, which has a garage-door-like wall that can be opened for open-air dining even if youre inside. Blues and Brews on Thursday nights. 1101 Melbourne Road, Hurst. 817-537-0440;barlouieamerica.com

Trinity Groves

Just west of Dallas Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge is this complex of stores, drinking establishments and restaurants  mostly restaurants, many of which feature outdoor dining. Theyre lined up, one after the other, so that curious diners can cross from one patio to the next before finding a place to settle. Sometimes a belly dancer from Souk Moroccan Bistro & Bazaar will stop traffic. Sometimes youll just stop yourself to find out what the Asian-Latin fusion at Chino Chinatown is all about. Sometimes you just want a beer and a bite at LUCK (Local Urban Craft Kitchen). And theres more  and still more to come. Information center: 425 Bedford St., Dallas. 214-744-0100. Restaurant addresses vary; for a list, visit trinitygroves.com

Freds has always had a popular patio, but in late 2012 it underwent a transition. Gone are the picnic tables that used to be there; in their place are tables in an expanded area surrounded by a cedar fence. Check it out on Wednesday nights, when Outlaw Chef Terry Chandler likes to experiment with potential new menu items. 915 Currie St., Fort Worth. 817-332-0083;fredstexascafe.com\

Bronson Rock Bar & Grill

If you dont live in Keller, Watauga or north Fort Worth, you might not be aware of one of the coolest patios in Tarrant County, which has undergone an expansion since the restaurants 2012 opening, with more seating and a margarita bar. Live music Wednesday-Saturday nights. 250 S. Main St., Keller.817-431-5543; bronsonrocktx.com

Flying Saucer Draught Emporium

In 2012, Flying Saucer moved from its longtime downtown Fort Worth spot (now home to Bird Café) into its new location in the old 8.0 space, giving it the best patio in downtown. Since then, the beer palaces new site has taken full flight, with the same large, tree-shaded patio and stage, with some new touches such as picnic tables. The menu of some 200 craft beers adds to the hangout feel. 111 E. Third St., Fort Worth. 817-336-7470; www.beerknurd.com

Pour House West 7th

Eric Tschetters sports bar/beer palace has beaten the odds, lasting 13 years in downtown Fort Worth before moving to the West 7th area, where the bar continues to thrive despite ever-increasing competition. The Pour House has a laid-back patio as well as a garage space with its own bar, and with the doors thrown open in nice weather. The most impressive thing about Pour House is its craft-beer wall, which was expanded to some 75 taps last year. So pull up a patio table and have a cold one. 2725 W. Seventh St., Fort Worth. 817-335-2575; www.pour-house.com

Pooch-friendly patios

Coyote Drive-In

A lot of people who come to Fort Worths year-old drive-in movie theater dont stay in their cars; they come up to the Coyote Canteen, where you can get better-than-average concession-stand food and much better-than-average craft beers and even a few wines. And as you might expect at a place with a canine name, leashed dogs (and other leashed pets) are welcome. 223 N.E. Fourth St., Fort Worth. 817-717-7767; coyotedrive-in.com

Mutts Canine Cantina

Dont think of this as a restaurant and bar with a dog park  think of it as a dog park with a restaurant and a bar. The food menu is mostly burgers, salads and  pardon the expression  hot dogs, with shakes, coffee drinks and beer also available. And there a couple of, er, dishes for canine customers. Dogs (with certain well-posted restrictions) are allowed on the patio and at the bar, but most will want to frolic in the spacious dog park. 2889 CityPlace West Blvd., Dallas. 214-377-8723; muttscantina.com.

Patios with wheels

Clearfork Food Park

Opened in late 2012, this food-truck park near Fort Worths University Drive has space for a half-dozen or so trucks (with room to expand for special events), a shady pavilion to protect you from the elements, and umbrella-protected tables. But its real draw is its location: a primo spot right on the Trinity River Trails. Weve been tempted to eat here, then walk down the trail to Woodshed Smokehouse for a Tuaca-infused drink. 1541 Merrimac Circle, Fort Worth. 972-850-8736; clearforkfoodpark.com

Truck Yard

Greenville Avenues renaissance became official last year with the opening of Dallas first Trader Joes and, right across the street, this food-truck park/outdoor bar-cum-beer garden/Philly-cheese-steak shop/small-batch ice cream stand with lots of used furniture and truck tires strewn about. If that sounds like too much hipster trendiness for one address, rest assured you dont need a fedora or fixed-gear bike for entry. Founded by Jason Boso of Twisted Root fame, Truck Yard is a casual, funky spot that feels like someone lifted a little bit of Austin and dropped it into Dallas. While the in-house cheese-steak sandwiches are always available, the food trucks rotate as do the flavors of Carnival Barkers ice cream, and many of the beers are local. Whats not to like? 5624 Sears St., Dallas. 469 -500-0139; texastruckyard.com

Joe T. Garcias: The granddaddy of DFW patios is actually several lush patios that seem to stretch on forever, with strolling mariachis providing some entertainment. For more on Joe Ts, see accompanying story here. . Cash only. 2201 N. Commerce St., Fort Worth.817-626-4356; joets.com

Woodshed Smokehouse: Tim Loves Trinity River hangout might be only a couple of years old, but go there on a warm spring or calm autumn Friday or Saturday night and youll know why it made the hall of fame so quickly. 3201 Riverfront Drive, Fort Worth. 817-877-4545;woodshedsmokehouse.com

Reata: The rooftop bar offers good views of ever-evolving downtown Fort Worth, while keeping you above the noise and bustle of the streets. The margaritas are a pretty good reason to hang out there, too. 310 Houston St., Fort Worth. 817-336-1009; www.reata.net

Central Market Southlake: Yeah, its a fancy grocery store, but its also got a cafe, with an adjacent patio that feels more like an expanded picnic area than something thats right off a parking lot. Very family-friendly, as you can tell by all the kids on the playground. 1425 E. Southlake Blvd., Southlake, 817-310-5600; www.centralmarket.com

Glass Cactus: Wanna catch the pretty people partying, or just get a close look at Lake Grapevine? Go to this nightclub with a 13,000-square-foot patio/deck area in the sprawling Gaylord Texan complex. 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine, 817-778-2805;marriott.com

Katy Trail Ice House: This bar and beer garden on Dallas Katy Trail took off fast after it opened in 2011, and has been featured on Bravos Most Eligible Dallas and Styles Big Rich Texas, which gives you a clue about the kind of crowd it draws. Parking is well its best to use the valet. Or just walk up. Its right on a trail. 3127 Routh St., Dallas. 214-468-0600; katyicehouse.com

Ozona Grill & Bar: This large, tree-shaded patio attracts a college crowd, which makes sense, since its near SMU. Its been around longer than similar patios at the Woodshed and the Rustic, but it still shares their rustic feel, even with all those attractive 20-somethings hanging out. 4615 Greenville Ave., Dallas. 214-265-9105; ozonagrill.com

Bar Belmont: Not only does the patio bar at the Belmont Hotel have the best views of downtown Dallas, its also just a short walk away from Smoke, Tim Byres meaty restaurant at the hotel. (Byres other properties, Chicken Scratch and the Foundry, are not far away and also have good outdoor spaces.) 901 Fort Worth Ave., Dallas. 866-870-8010; belmontdallas.com

Piola Restaurant and Garden: Maybe Hall of Fame doesnt apply to a hideaway a lot of people still dont know about, but were putting Bobby Albaneses small cultural district spot here anyway, because its mini-oasis patio might be second only to Joe T.s when it comes to Fort Worth outdoor dining. 3700 Mattison Ave., Fort Worth. 817-989-0007;www.fwpiola.com

Lightcatcher Winery & Bistro: Another secret that deserves to be discovered by more people, this winery is so far west in Fort Worth that it almost feels like the Hill Country. Jazz Sundays from 4 to 7 p.m. on the first and third Sundays of the month, April through November. Dinner reservations recommended. 6925 Confederate Park Road, Fort Worth. 817-237-2626;www.lightcatcher.com

The Point on Lake Worth: This has been around for nearly 60 years and still manages to stay under the radar. But its got tables overlooking a dock leading out to Lake Worth. You cant exactly pretend youre in a Corona commercial at this place, but its about as close as you can get on one Fort Worths lakes. 1349 Bomber Road, Fort Worth. 817-246-9168; www.pointlakeworth.com

Lee Harveys: First of all, theres that name. Then theres that patio, which is larger than this popular dive bars interior space. Theres a stage for local bands, wooden tables, benches and fire pits, which come in handy on nippy winter nights. 1807 Gould St., Dallas. 214-428-1555; leeharveys.com

Bolsa: This casual spot helped kick Oak Cliffs foodie revolution into gear, and it has a comfortable patio with a mix of communal picnic tables and smaller tables for intimates and introverts. The foods good  the cocktails are even better. 614 W. Davis St., Dallas. 214-943-1883; bolsadallas.com

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